With the #2 overall selection in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, the Buffalo Sabres have proudly selected Jack Eichel.
Let me say that again:
THE BUFFALO SABRES HAVE OFFICIALLY DRAFTED JACK EICHEL.
After three long years of tanking, suffering, firings, infighting, and controversy, the Sabres have the prize they’ve been missing for decades. Eichel is universally projected by analysts, scouts, GMs and coaches to become a #1 franchise center, the type of player who can turn your team from a playoff contender into a Stanley Cup contender.
Eichel’s skill set is familiar to anyone who’s been following this story since 2013. He’s big, very strong, fast, has a huge reach, nice shot, and plays a great two-way game. He’s good at faceoffs, controlling possession, and just about every aspect of hockey, save maybe growing a playoff beard – though Sabres fans will hopefully find out about that soon.
His accomplishments have also been well documented – Hobey Baker Award Winner, Hockey East Rookie and Player of the Year, NCAA Rookie of the Year, Beanpot winner, IIHF U-18 gold and silver medalist, and World Championship bronze medalist, where he proved he’s ready to play against NHL-caliber opponents. All at age 18.
And now, he’s a member of the Buffalo Sabres and will likely start next season as one of Buffalo’s top two centers en route to a long, productive career wearing blue and gold. Tonight is a celebration, Sabres fans, and whichever side of the tank you were on, we’re all invited to the party. Let’s go, Buffalo!
We’ll update this post with any new information as needed, but for now give us your thoughts, comments, and GIFs on the newest crown jewel of the Sabres organization below.